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Why?  The making of the cult movie Lord of the Rings has brought a boom in the number of people taking a holiday in Wellington, the cosmopolitan capital of New Zealand where the film was produced. Even without the film industry, though, there have always been plenty of reasons to justify a holiday in Wellington, with its pretty setting, vibrant arts scene, friendly café culture and a wonderful national museum.

When?  The weather can be unpredictable in Wellington, but generally the best months to travel to Wellington are in the summer, from November to the end of March, for warm days and not too much rain, particularly towards the end of the season. Winters are cold and wet. The city is prone to be windy at any time of year.

Who for?  From backpackers to culture vultures, everyone will find a holiday in Wellington offers them something memorable. Those who like to escape to the country can take a break from the cityscape and head for the scenic surrounding countryside with its vineyards.

More info:  To discover everything that is on offer for those who plan a Wellington holiday make use of our convenient, comprehensive Wellington travel guide, which is updated regularly.

Overview

The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington is located at the southern tip of the North Island. It is situated on a splendid harbour and hemmed in by steep hills, creating a compact inner city centre with a mix of historic and modern buildings. It is the second largest city in the country, the energetic centre for culture and arts, and is the entertainment, commercial and political capital of New Zealand, with an air of pronounced sophistication and vibrancy. Apart from its importance as the capital, it is the main departure point for the South Island.

Also called ‘Windy Wellington’, it lives up to its name especially in winter when the lashing winds from the Cook Strait whistle through the wind funnels created by the high-rise buildings of the central business district. The bustling, pretty waterfront area is a sheltered refuge with a graceful promenade, featuring shops, restaurants and various leisure activities. Brightly coloured sails scud across the harbour, the reliable wind providing excellent sailing and windsurfing opportunities. The ferry to the picturesque Days Bay, one of Wellington's best swimming beaches, affords excellent views of the city from the water. Dominating the waterfront is the Te Papa Museum, the pride and joy of the nation that embodies the quintessence of New Zealand and its people.

In the city centre the Parliamentary District is the architectural masterpiece of Wellington, including the Old Government Building, the second largest wooden building in the world; the unmistakable modernist Beehive, the executive offices of Parliament; Parliament House and the Victorian Gothic National Library.

The cable car takes people up to the Botanic Gardens for vistas of the city centre and across the harbour to the Hutt Valley, one of the scenic locations used in the filming of ‘Lord of the Rings’. Another film site is Mt Victoria, offering sweeping panoramic views of the city and its suburbs, the surrounding hills and bays, and the harbour.